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Development of a solar energy storage process. Photoisomerization of a norbornadience derivative to a quadricyclane derivative in an aqueous alkaline solution

Journal Article · · J. Org. Chem.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/jo00224a017· OSTI ID:6230763

In an aqueous alkaline solution, the photoisomerization of norbornadiene derivatives to quadricyclane derivatives was investigated. Upon irradiation with sunlight, 1a-g isomerized quantitatively to 2a-g even in the presence of air, although the reaction medium was water which was usually reactive toward cyclopropane and cyclobutane rings of quadricyclane. In fact, 1h-j gave undesirable compounds on irradiation under the same conditions. In order to increase solubility and the amount of heat being stored, compounds 3 were synthesized which had two norbornadiene chromophores in the same molecule. From analyses of the spectral data and the photoreactivities of 3, the same behavior was confirmed as those of 1, i.e., the two neighboring chromophores did not interfere. Since the reaction medium is water and the photoisomerization by sunlight is clean, these water-soluble norbornadiene derivatives 1a-g, 1k-m, and 3a-c are promising for solar energy storage. 27 references, 2 figures, 5 tables.

Research Organization:
Kyoto Univ., Japan
OSTI ID:
6230763
Journal Information:
J. Org. Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Org. Chem.; (United States) Vol. 50:24; ISSN JOCEA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English